The McCain campaign released a web ad Friday claiming McCain won the debate.

(CNN) - The time between the final answer in any presidential debate and the campaign press release declaring victory can usually best be measured in milliseconds. But John McCain’s campaign – which has been downplaying his performance at Friday’s faceoff, offering praise for opponent Barack Obama’s “eloquence” and debating skill – seems to have decided it’s never too soon to start spinning the outcome.

The Washington Post reported Friday that the campaign was running an online ad featuring the headline: "McCain Wins Debate!" and a photo of a smiling McCain and an American flag background. Another featured a quote from McCain campaign manager Rick Davis: "McCain won the debate - hands down."

The Obama campaign quickly circulated the report – which came moments before McCain’s team confirmed he would take part in the evening debate after all.

soundoff(294 Responses)

uchujin

Anyone who says McCain is not putting country first can't see the forest for the trees. Here is a man who's campaign managers have offered him up as sacrifice to ensure that Obama and the democratic ticket gets elected. As a lifelong Republican intending to vote Democrat this fall, thank you Senator McCain for your selflessness in giving us President Obama. The depth of your insight in seeing that the change America really needs will not include you will never be forgotten.

September 26, 2008 02:50 pm at 2:50 pm |

Brian

Duh! Where is Homer Simpson when you need him?

September 26, 2008 02:50 pm at 2:50 pm |

Fabian Blache III, Baton Rouge, LA

His senility and dementia are progressing rapidly.

McCain has gone from running from the debate to throwing himself in front of the bus.

If McCain can't run a campaign that demonstrates any sense of awareness, how can he run our nation?

September 26, 2008 02:50 pm at 2:50 pm |

NJ

in other words, MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

September 26, 2008 02:50 pm at 2:50 pm |

Sarah sanj

Mccain is so desperate!

September 26, 2008 02:50 pm at 2:50 pm |

Kiah G

This man is a complete and utter idiot and anyone who doesn't thinks his campaign is an indicator of how he would lead is an idiot to vote for him. What a joke!

September 26, 2008 02:50 pm at 2:50 pm |

Cam

I understand having the ads ready for after the debate but to put them up before the debate?

Who is running this clown's campaign? Do they realize that the internet is in "real time"?

This is pretty idiotic but somehow extremely tragic at the same time. I think it goes directly to McCain's judgement and objectivity.

Hey McCain, we know you were at one of your several house last night but out-dueling your butler on a debate about whether your porridge is hot or cold does not mean you won the debate!

September 26, 2008 02:50 pm at 2:50 pm |

Roger

This is truly pathetic. His whole campaign has been truly pathetic. His choice of the inept Sarah Palin was pathetic. I don't understand how any clear thinking, level headed individual could possibly vote for this "couple". The only chance we have as a country is to elect Barack Obama. The thoughts of a McCain presidency send cold chills down my spine!

Obama for America

September 26, 2008 02:50 pm at 2:50 pm |

Joe PA

Why do I keep hearing circus music whenever I see McCain or Palin.

September 26, 2008 02:50 pm at 2:50 pm |

Azzy

What the?

September 26, 2008 02:50 pm at 2:50 pm |

New Day

No no no... You guys are wrong. He is "willing" himself to win the election. Kinda like Mel Gibson and Danny Glover in Lethal Weapon 3!!!!

September 26, 2008 02:51 pm at 2:51 pm |

Vegas

I don't think the people on this blog remember the Hillary/Barry debates...

Wake up and vote for saving this country from these guys who are tearing up America like heartless wolves!

September 26, 2008 02:51 pm at 2:51 pm |

Cheryl

I honestly believe the old fart is mentally ill.

September 26, 2008 02:51 pm at 2:51 pm |

sarah

well, this is a welcome bit of hilarity in what has been a thoroughly maddening few days. the world seems to have became a more and more absurd place in the last few months, thanks to the maverick and his running mate, the reformer.

September 26, 2008 02:51 pm at 2:51 pm |

NY loves Obama

Fraud! I have absolutely no respect for you, Senator McCain.
This Republican is voting for Obama instead!!!

September 26, 2008 02:51 pm at 2:51 pm |

Miguel

I bet John McCain is kicking himself in the nuts for not having picked Mitt Romney. The guy actually has some executive experience and probably would have been able to advice him in the current economic crisis. Instead, he picked barbie who with all due respect has no place in American Politics. Country First? I don't think so.

September 26, 2008 02:51 pm at 2:51 pm |

AC Thomas

Senator McCain did win the debate last night, in his dreams... he is not lying!
McCain, McBush, McSame!!!!!!

September 26, 2008 02:51 pm at 2:51 pm |

RoRo

Maybe they have all the questions and answers already!! We know who they are, Republicans, Cheats and Selfish!!

September 26, 2008 02:51 pm at 2:51 pm |

MV

obama camp should repeat this commercial and add bush's "MISSION ACCOMPLISHED" statement some 5 years ago. shame on mccain who was even afraid to face OBAMA!!!